By Uzair Adam
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has expressed strong support for the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) in its decision to initiate a nationwide strike.
The strike threat follows allegations that military personnel were deployed to remove workers from the Oritsetimeyin oil rig, a move that has drawn widespread criticism.
In a statement issued on Friday, NLC President Joe Ajaero condemned the alleged military intervention, affirming the congress’s solidarity with NUPENG.
Ajaero warned of escalated actions from NLC if breaches of agreements and the use of security forces in industrial disputes persist.
This stance arises from a protracted dispute between NUPENG and the oil rig’s management, where agreements on employment terms reportedly remain unfulfilled.
Earlier in the week, NUPENG alerted the Federal Government, cautioning against military involvement and urging respect for previously established agreements.
On Thursday, however, a special naval unit allegedly arrived at the Oritsetimeyin rig to forcibly evict workers, prompting NUPENG’s strike warning.
Ajaero decried this development as an affront to worker rights, urging military and government officials to address the issue immediately.
“This unacceptable use of state security forces to intimidate workers undermines democratic values and workplace freedoms,” Ajaero’s statement read.
“The militarization of workplaces only harms our economy and violates the principles of industrial relations.”
NUPENG maintains that the eviction followed workers’ calls for adherence to agreements, including severance benefits discussed during prior meetings mediated by the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and the Department of State Services (DSS).
The NLC’s statement specifically called out companies Dutchford E&P and Selective Marine Services for failing to honor these commitments.
The NLC is urging the Nigerian military, the National Security Adviser, and other key government figures to intervene and prevent further confrontations.